Epoxy flooring is a two-part resin system that chemically bonds to concrete, forming a seamless, non-porous surface at least two millimeters thick. As one of the most widely used resinous floors in regulated environments, it offers exceptional durability, liquid resistance, and sanitation performance.

Because of this strength, epoxy is especially effective in areas exposed to alcohol-based sanitizers, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and other harsh disinfectants commonly used in cleanrooms and production suites.

To meet different operational needs, epoxy is available in several formulations, including mortar, quartz-filled, flake, and electrostatic-dissipative (ESD). In pharma facilities, ESD epoxy is often chosen because it controls static discharge and reduces fire risk when working with sensitive chemicals.

In general, epoxy flooring can cost anywhere from $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the type of epoxy you purchase, how you install it (roller, trowel, squeegee, or sprayer), and how many coats you need.

Urethane flooring is a durable, abrasion-resistant material that was originally developed in the 1930s and later utilized in high-performance applications, such as aircraft manufacturing. Today, urethane is widely used in commercial and industrial settings because of its long-term reliability.

Urethane floors are installed in multiple thin layers, creating a rigid, flexible surface that holds up under heavy use and frequent cleaning. This makes urethane a practical choice for pharmaceutical manufacturers who need a resilient, easy-to-maintain floor that supports strict hygiene standards.

Whether on its own or in combination with an epoxy coating, urethane is damage- and corrosion-resistant and stands up well under heavy traffic. Even professionally installed urethane floors, however, show wear when subjected to a lot of feet tramping across them. Most urethane floors need recoating about every 3-5 years.

Polished concrete is created through a multi-step process that grinds, refines, and polishes the concrete surface. A penetrating hardener is applied during the process to increase density and durability, resulting in a smooth, glossy finish.

It’s also a highly sustainable option as it’s finished in place, requires no hazardous installation chemicals, and offers energy efficiency thanks to its dense composition. Despite common misconceptions, polished concrete does not make buildings colder in winter.

Polished concrete costs can vary tremendously. Yet, these floors' longevity makes them one of the most affordable choices on the market.

In pharmaceutical environments, safety flooring goes beyond basic slip resistance. It centers on creating a seamless surface that prevents pathogens from settling into cracks or joints and spreading throughout the facility.

This level of protection is especially important in areas with wet processing, sanitizer overspray, powder handling, or the slip hazards that occur during cleanroom gowning procedures.

• Seamless installation to eliminate cracks where contaminants can accumulate
• Slip-resistant textures to prevent falls in wet or sanitized areas
• Line striping and markings that support GMP-compliant workflow separation
• Surfaces that withstand aggressive cleaning and disinfecting
• Durability under constant foot and cart traffic